India players refused handshakes - Pakistan coach

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India's cricket team declined to engage in handshakes with Pakistan following their initial match since the earlier conflict between the two nations this year, according to claims made by Pakistan's coach Mike Hesson.

India secured a comfortable victory by seven wickets during the Asia Cup in Dubai. Following the match, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his batting companion Shivam Dube exited the field promptly, bypassing the customary handshake.

Later, Pakistan's players seemed to approach India's dugout as they left the field, but the Indian team had already retreated to their dressing room.

At the coin toss, there was also an absence of handshake between Suryakumar and Pakistan's captain Salman Agha.

In April, India and Pakistan experienced a four-day military confrontation after a fatal attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.

Hesson, a New Zealander, stated, "We were clearly prepared to shake hands at the conclusion of the match."

He expressed disappointment that the opposing team chose not to do so.

During the post-match ceremony, Suryakumar referred to the victory as a "perfect return gift to India." Following his last question, he remarked, "We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families of the terror incident, and we dedicate this victory to all our armed forces who displayed immense courage."

No players from Pakistan participated in the presentation. Hesson later indicated that Agha’s choice not to address the audience was a "continuation" of India's decision to forgo handshaking.

"We attempted to approach them for handshakes, but they were already on their way to the locker room," Hesson remarked.

"It was disappointing for the match to conclude in that manner. Although we were unhappy with how we played, we were certainly open to shaking hands."

The Pakistan Cricket Board has formally complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC).  Sport has sought a statement from the ICC.

What is the context?

The attack on April 22 in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.

India attributed the assault to Pakistan, a claim that Pakistan refuted. Following this, India conducted air strikes within Pakistan and in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, prompting Pakistan to retaliate with missile strikes.

This marked the most severe military clash between the neighboring countries in decades, claiming numerous lives.

Historically, the two nations have only faced each other in cricket during global tournaments. There were proposals to either cancel the Asia Cup or boycott the match, but it proceeded as planned.

Suryakumar commented, "The government and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) were in agreement. We made a decision to come here just to participate in the game. We responded appropriately."

India and Pakistan may potentially meet again in this Asia Cup if both teams advance to the later rounds.

The previous encounter between the two teams at the Champions Trophy in February occurred in Dubai, as India opted not to travel to Pakistan, which was the host of the tournament.

In June, it was revealed that Sri Lanka would serve as the host for Pakistan's matches in the Women's World Cup, which is set to commence later this month.

Initially, this tournament was meant to occur entirely in India; however, the schedule has been altered, and now neither nation will visit the other for an event organized by the International Cricket Council.

What transpired on the field?

Stepping away from the surrounding controversy, India emerged as decisive victors.

Pakistan's opening batsman Saim Ayub was dismissed at backward point after the very first legitimate delivery of the match, and Mohammad Haris was caught at deep square leg off the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah in the second over.

Pakistan managed to stabilize somewhat at 45-2 but quickly lost their next five wickets for just 38 runs as India's spinners took control in the middle overs, limiting the score to 127-9.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets for 18 runs, while left-arm spinner Axar Patel claimed 2 wickets for 18 runs. Pakistan found themselves struggling at 83-7 until Shaheen Afridi managed to score an unbeaten 33 towards the end.

Nonetheless, Pakistan's total remained significantly below what was needed to be competitive.

India's opening batsman Abhishek Sharma aggressively hit the first ball of the chase, bowled by Shaheen, for four runs and followed up by sending the second ball over cover for six.

Spinner Ayub managed to outsmart India's Test captain Shubman Gill, stumping him for 10 runs, followed by Abhishek caught at long-off for 31, and Tilak Varma bowled out for the same score. Despite this, India achieved their second win in two matches with 25 balls remaining when Suryakumar struck a six over mid-wicket, ending with an unbeaten score of 47.